The inaugural Central West and Murdi Paaki Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Women's Gathering which concluded at Dubbo today was a "very rewarding experience" for all involved according to organiser Rene Wkyes.

"It's about bringing everyone together and forming strong partnerships so that we are getting maximum benefit to communities and people," Ms Wkyes, a Training Manager with Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise Corporation, explained.

"I think from this forum we will have a strong network of women from across the region who will continue to drive the women's gathering.

"We hope that it is a process that they are able to continue to communicate and provide relevant information up to government bodies and service providers working across the regions as to what is required and what is needed," Ms Wkyes continued.

"One thing that has come out of the forum is that not everyone was aware of all the services that are on offer," Ms Wkyes said.

"There's been a good flow of information and it has been very rewarding to see how well everyone has come together to achieve positive outcomes.

"If we can develop some strong partnerships and the linkages for an on-going network for the women that will mean the forum has been a success," Ms Wkyes added.

'Unique opportunity'

Described as "a unique opportunity" to share ideas, Ms Wkyes revealed the forum was given women-only status to help generate a culturally supportive environment.

"It's a women-only forum to provide an opportunity to come together and to be able to put their current issues that are important to themselves, their families and their community and getting a women's perspective of what's happening out there," Ms Wkyes said.

"It is somewhat easier when you are removed out of the space and come together in a group environment where people are more inclined to talk about issues because what they find is they are not the only one with those issues."

"What we are hoping is that if this doesn't become an annual event it will be a biennial event with maybe something smaller in between."